In a ceremony on July 3, 2013, Col Benjamin J Corell was promoted to the rank of Brig Gen at the Rosemount Minn armory, headquarters of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Corell was assigned as the Deputy Commander (Support), 34th Infantry Division, Minn Army National Guard, Rosemount, Minn on September 7th 2012 , where he will continue to serve

The rich history of the ceremony was confluent with the eve of our nation's independence day and the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg During the formalities, Corell's family each partook in the time-honored traditions that come with receiving this prestigious rank His wife Beth, along with Maj Gen David Elicerio, the 34th Infantry Division commander, placed his new shoulder boards on his uniform His three sons, all non-commissioned officers in the 34th Infantry Division, presented the customary one-star flag, belt and pistol

Elicerio delivered a heartfelt message to the audience expressing his personal confidence in Correl "He is a man I would want on my left or my right, in my foxhole, or should it come to it, leading my children in combat," said Elicerio

Corell knew as a young child he was going to join the military In his remarks during the ceremony he reflected back to the days his father brought him to the local Veterans of Foreign War post in Strawberry Point, Iowa There he saw men and women who had served during World War II He decided then to hold himself to the same values and standards they lived by Corell's own experience as a Soldier, husband and father speaks volumes as to the type of Service members the National Guard recruits and retains His steadfast character is the same example of the high reverence that he held for those who served before him

"This promotion isn't so much about what I've done, but about what I'm going to do and what the expectations are I see a responsibility that I have with this promotion and assignment It is to shape this organization as a collective and to pull each individual up to their highest potential," said Correl

July 3, 2013
Story and photos by Staff Sgt Paul Santikko
Minnesota National Guard

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.